INFECTION TREATMENT | Kidney Chat

KIDNEY INFECTION TREATMENT

Kidney Infection Treatment and Prevention

Kidney infection treatment is most effective when the condition is caught early. If the infection is detected within the urinary tract, and has not reached the kidneys, treatment is fairly standard.

Once there are no other complications, the standard treatment is antibacterial drugs. If the kidneys are affected, however, other kidney disease treatments may become necessary.

The length of treatment depends on the severity of the infection.

Mild infections can be cured in a couple of days but some doctors may prescribe antibiotics for a week or two, as a precaution, to ensure that the infection is totally gone.

More severe infections may take weeks before they are completely cured.

When there is infection of the kidneys themselves (pyelonephritis), prompt treatment is essential. Untreated kidney infection can quickly lead to kidney damage and other complications.

Severe infection of the kidneys can take many weeks of antibiotic treatment before it is completely cured. In some cases, if the patient becomes too weak, it may be necessary for them to be hospitalized until they are strong enough to take medication on their own. Intravenous (IV) fluids and other medication may also be required, to help the patient recover.

It is important for patients to complete their course of treatment, even if symptoms disappear before the medication is finished. Sometimes, symptoms may disappear before the infection is completely cured, but premature discontinuation of treatment could result in re-occurrence of the infection.

How do You Prevent Kidney Infection?

There are a number of measures that can be taken to minimize urinary tract infection and, by extension, infection of the kidneys. These measures are not absolutely preventative but they can minimize the risk.

These include the following:

Drink adequate amounts of water every day. This helps to flush out the urinary system continuously and avoid any buildup of bacteria in the urinary tract. Try to have at least six to eight glasses per day.

Don't hold in urine for long periods. You should urinate when you feel the need to. This will minimize the risk of bacterial buildup and help to prevent them from moving up (backwards) in the urinary tract.

If you can, try to urinate after sexual intercourse. Again this will help to flush out any bacteria, which may have been exchanged during intercourse.

Wipe from front-to-back after a bowel movement or passing urine (especially important for women... as this will minimize the risk of bacteria spreading from the anus to the vagina).

Persons who are particularly susceptible to urinary tract infections should consider using cotton underwear, since it is breathable and may prevent bacterial growth near the urethra.

Even after taking these precautions, one can still be affected by infection of the kidneys or urinary tract. Infected blood, for instance, can cause kidney infection. Additionally, any blockage within the urinary tract or any deficiencies, which cause urine to flow in the wrong direction, increase the risk of kidney infection. If you experience any of the symptoms outlined earlier, do not hesitate to visit your doctor.